Many years ago, living for a brief time in another continent, I befriended a woman who delighted in talking with me about the United States. She had once visited New York City and relished opportunities to remember it. One day I asked her if she would ever consider moving to the States. Much to my surprise, she quickly replied, "No!" And then she explained, "There is much about America that is free and good, but I am afraid the truth is that your souls are sent the bill."